Valve Replacement Surgery

What is Valve Replacement Surgery?

Valve replacement surgery is a medical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased heart valve with an artificial valve or a valve from a donor (biological valve). The surgery is performed to improve the function of the heart and prevent further complications caused by a faulty valve.

benefits of valve replacement;

• Restored Heart Function: Valve replacement surgery restores the proper functioning of the heart valves, allowing them to open and close effectively. This improves blood flow and prevents complications associated with valve disorders.

• Reduced Risk of Heart Failure: Valve replacement surgery can reduce the risk of heart failure caused by valve disorders. Properly functioning valves ensure that the heart can effectively pump blood throughout the body.

• Enhanced Blood Circulation: Replacing faulty valves ensures smoother blood flow, which prevents blood from backing up into the chambers of the heart. This prevents the enlargement of heart chambers and related complications.

• Prolonged Lifespan: Successful valve replacement surgery can significantly extend a patient's lifespan by addressing the underlying cause of valve dysfunction and preventing potential complications.

• Improved Heart Health: Properly functioning valves contribute to overall heart health by maintaining efficient blood circulation and preventing strain on the heart muscle.

• Customized Treatment: Valve replacement surgery offers a choice between mechanical and biological valves, allowing patients and their doctors to choose the best option based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and potential future pregnancies.

• Prevention of Valve Regurgitation: Replacement valves minimize or eliminate valve regurgitation (backward flow of blood), which can lead to enlargement of the heart chambers over time.

What are the top 5 HEART Treatment hospitals in India?

• Manipal Hospitals

• Max Hospital

• Apollo Hospital

• Artemis Hospital

• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Pre-procedure

• Evaluation: Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like echocardiogram and angiography to assess the condition of the heart valve.

• Anesthesia: The patient is administered general anesthesia before the surgery to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.

• Informed Consent: The healthcare team discusses the details of the surgery, its potential risks, benefits, and alternative options with the patient, and obtains informed consent.

Procedure

• Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. The type of incision depends on the specific valve being replaced.

• Heart-Lung Bypass: To perform the surgery, the heart is temporarily stopped, and the patient's blood is redirected through a heart-lung bypass machine, which takes over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure.

• Valve Replacement: The damaged valve is removed, and an artificial valve or a biological valve from a donor is sutured in place. The new valve can be mechanical (made of metal or synthetic materials) or biological (made from animal tissue).

• Closing Incisions: After the new valve is securely in place, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures or staples.

Post-procedure

• Recovery: After the surgery, the patient is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Most patients spend a few days in the hospital to recover before being discharged.

• Medications: The patient may be prescribed medications to prevent blood clots, reduce inflammation, and manage pain or other medical conditions.

• Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended to help the patient regain strength, improve cardiovascular health, and gradually resume normal activities.